Method and apparatus for capping, evacuating and folding collapsible plastic containers

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for automated leak testing, capping, labelling, evacuating and loading collapsible plastic containers in bulk into magazine clips for subsequent handling operations is provided. The apparatus is compact and intergrated, defining discrete stations for each stated method step.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of handling systemsfor collapsible plastic containers, such as bottles, and in particularto an automated method of capping, leak testing, labelling, evacuatingand packing collapsible plastic containers in bulk into magazine clipsfor subsequent handling operations, and to a compact, integratedapparatus for carrying out such a method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In an earlier issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,427, there is disclosed acollapsible plastic container having a collapsible body portion and anon-collapsible neck portion defining an opening into the plasticcontainer. The non-collapsible neck portion preferably defines twoindexing flats arranged in parallel orientation to one another ondiametrically opposed outer sides of the non-collapsible neck portion.The indexing flats preferably extend longitudinally between a spacedpair of annular tables arranged in opposed encircling relation to oneanother around the outside of the neck portion. This arrangement forms awaisted portion on the non-collapsible neck portion which adapts theneck portion to be received in register with corresponding portions ofmechanical means for selectively positioning the container inpredetermined radial alignment relative to the mechanical means duringvarious mechanical handling and processing operations. An example of oneform of such handling means is a bulk filling station for filling anddispensing collapsible plastic containers as shown and described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,815,256 (Brown et al.). This arrangement also beneficiallyadapts containers having such a waisted neck portion to be used inconjunction with a magazine clip means, such as that disclosed in detailin U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,427. Such a magazine clip means has alongitudinal body portion adapted to receive a plurality of thecontainers in supported, intermitting, releasably slidable relation withthe respective waisted portions of the container necks. Moreover, thebody portion of the magazine clip means is operable to direct deliveryof succeeding ones of the containers longitudinally to at least onedischarge opening of the body portion. In this manner, the magazine clipmeans is adapted to receive a plurality of the collapsible containersfor collective storage, handling, shipping distribution andmerchandising in a particularly compact and economical manner, withoutthe need for re-packaging during any of these phases. Moreover, themagazine clip means can be readily used to collectively load theplurality of containers held there within into automated handling andprocessing equipment adapted to accept such clips without the need toindividually handle the containers.

Lastly, the magazine clips are preferably constructed from plastic orcardboard to facilitate re-use, or recycling, thereof. The advantages ofutilizing such magazine clips of collapsible plastic containers arenumerous and well-documented in, inter alia, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,256 andin U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,427. The present invention relates to a compactlydesigned high speed packaging integrator that can be located at themanufacturing level for labelling, capping, evacuating, folding andplacement of collapsible plastic containers into a magazine clip,without the need for trans-packaging or shipping of the empty containersbetween manufacturing, packaging, and labelling sites. Moreover, aplurality of the collapsible plastic containers, still loaded in themagazine clips, can be transferred directly into a point-of-salefiller/merchandiser, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,256.The economies realized in manufacturing facility space and time, storageand transportation costs, and retail point of sale space using thesystem of which the present invention is a part, are significant. Moreparticularly, at the manufacturing facility level, it is in the priorart necessary to utilize separate automated process lines for each ofthe leak testing, labelling, capping and filling processes, which linesare often linear, or near linear, in their layout, and are oftenarranged at separate plant locations. This arrangement is not onlywasteful of valuable factory floor space, but may also engendersignificant additional handling costs and delays as the containers aremoved from one process line to the other for completion of the nextprocess step. Additionally, as the several process steps typically occurat different speeds, stockpiling or warehousing space may be necessarybetween the various process steps to hold inventories of containers fromthe previous process step for subsequent next-step processing. All ofthe factors add to the inefficiencies, delays and associated costsassociated with prior art container is handling systems and devices.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a methodfor machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the containers, whichmethod provides, in a preferred embodiment, for leak testing, capping,labelling, evacuation and folding of the containers prior to loadinginto the magazine clip, all of said process steps being carried out inseriatim as part of an integrated process without the need forintervening handling of the containers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method formachine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the containers, whichmethod utilizes minimal factory floor space to carry out the method.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method formachine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the containers, whichmethod obviates the need for warehousing or inventorying of containersbetween sub-steps of the method.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a methodfor machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the containers, whichmethod is fast, efficient and economical, as compared to the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the containers, whichapparatus provides means for leak testing, capping, labelling,evacuation and folding of the containers prior to loading into themagazine clip, all of said means being provided as part of an integratedapparatus, which apparatus obviates the meed for intervening humanhandling of the containers between stations of the apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the containers, whichapparatus provides means for leak testing, capping, labelling,evacuation and folding of the containers prior to loading into themagazine clip, all of said means being provided as part of an integratedapparatus, which apparatus is compactly sized to minimize the factoryfloor space which it utilizes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the containers, whichapparatus obviates the need for warehousing or inventorying ofcontainers between stations of the apparatus.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for machine packing a plurality of collapsible plasticcontainers into a magazine clip means for subsequent handling of thecontainers which apparatus is fast, efficient and economical, ascompared to equipment utilized in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a processfor machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means for subsequent handling of the collapsible plasticcontainers, each collapsible plastic container having a collapsible bodyportion and a non-collapsible neck portion defining an opening to thecollapsible plastic container. The process comprises, in order, thesteps of: mechanically selecting one of said collapsible plasticcontainers from a serially arranged row of said plurality of containersby gripping said first collapsible plastic container about said neckportion; mechanically translating said selected collapsible plasticcontainer to a predetermined capping station; at said capping station,mechanically applying to the neck portion of the selected collapsibleplastic container, in closed, sealing relation to said opening of thecollapsible plastic container, a closure cap having a rim portion and alid portion connected to the rim portion by a hinge means; mechanicallytranslating said select collapsible plastic container to a predeterminedcollapsing station; adjacent said collapsing station mechanicallyopening the lid portion of said closure cap to break said sealingrelation to said opening of the collapsible plastic container by hingedmovement in a first direction of the lid potion about said hinge means;at said collapsing station, mechanically removing a substantial portionof the volume of air from within the selected collapsible plasticcontainer so as to cause substantial collapse of the body portion ofsaid selected collapsible plastic container at said collapsing station;at said collapsing station, mechanically closing the lid portion of saidclosure cap to re-establish said sealing relation with said opening ofthe selected collapsible plastic container by hinged movement of the lidportion in a second direction opposed to said first direction about saidhinge means, mechanically translating said selected collapsible plasticcontainer to a predetermined magazine loading station; and, at saidmagazine loading station, mechanically loading said selected collapsibleplastic container into said magazine clip means so as to hold saidselected collapsible plastic container within said clip means by way offrictional interaction between said non-collapsible neck portion andsaid magazine clip means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isfurther provided, before the step of mechanically translating theselected container to the capping station, the further steps of,mechanically translating the selected plastic container to apredetermined leak testing station; at the leak testing station,mechanically pressurizing the plastic container with a pressurizedfluid, such as air. After such pressurizing takes place,. mechanicallymeasuring the retention of the pressurized fluid within the selectedcollapsible plastic container over a predetermined period of time andcomparing the retention value so obtained with a predetermined thresholdvalue; and, before the step of mechanically loading the selectedcollapsible plastic container into the magazine clip, mechanicallyejecting from the process each selected collapsible plastic containerhaving a retention value less than the predetermined threshold value.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isfurther provided, after processing of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer at the leak testing station, as previously outlined, butbefore translation to the selected container to the capping station, thefurther steps of; mechanically translating the selected collapsibleplastic container to a predetermined labelling station; at saidlabelling station, mechanically pressurizing the selected collapsibleplastic container with a fluid, such as air, so as to cause thecollapsible body portion to become distended; and, while the collapsiblebody portion is so distended, mechanically applying a self-adhesivelabel to said body portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed an apparatus for machine packing a plurality of collapsibleplastic containers into a magazine clip means for subsequent handing ofthe collapsible plastic containers. Each of the collapsible plasticcontainers has a collapsible body portion and a non-collapsible neckportion defining an opening to the collapsible plastic container. Theapparatus according to this aspect has a selection means for selectingone of the collapsible plastic containers from a serially arranged rowof similar collapsible plastic containers by gripping the selectedcollapsible plastic container about the neck portion. Once gripped inthis manner, the selection means transfers the selected collapsibleplastic container to a transfer station, at which transfer station atranslation means receives the selected container in retained relationabout the neck portion. Thereafter, the translation means translates theselected container, in serially indexed relation, to each of a cappingstation, a collapsing station and a magazine loading station, whichstations form part of the apparatus. A capping means is positioned atthe capping station for applying to the neck portion of the selectedcollapsible plastic container, in closed, sealing relation to theopening of the collapsible plastic container, a closure cap having a rimportion and a lid portion connected to the rim portion by a hinge means.A cap opening means is positioned between the capping station and thecollapsing station for opening of the hinged lid portion of the closurecap in a first direction, thereby breaking the sealed relation of theclosure cap to the opening of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer. A collapsing means is positioned at the collapsing stationfor removing a substantial portion of the volume of air from within theselected collapsible plastic container, thereby causing substantialcollapse of the body portion of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer at the collapsing station. A cap closing means is positionedat the collapsing station for closing the lid portion of the closure capby hinged movement of the lid portion in a second direction opposed tothe first direction, thereby re-establishing sealing relation betweenthe closure cap and the opening of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer. A loading means is positioned at the magazine loading stationfor translating the selected collapsible plastic container from thetranslation means into the magazine clip means so as to hold theselected collapsible plastic container within the clip means by way offrictional interaction between the non-collapsible neck portion andmagazine clip means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thetranslation means of the apparatus comprises a carousel means adaptedfor accepting the selected collapsible plastic container at the transferstation as aforesaid in radially indexed, retained relation about itsneck portion, and for translating the selected collapsible plasticcontainer in serially indexed rotary relation to each of the capping,collapsing and magazine loading stations.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, thecarousel means translates the selected container in serially indexedrotary relation to each of a leak testing station, the capping station,the collapsing station and the magazine loading station, and wherein theapparatus additionally comprises: at said leak testing station a firstpressurizing means for pressurizing the selected collapsible plasticcontainer with a fluid, such as air, and a leak testing means formeasuring the retention of the pressurized fluid within the selectedcollapsible plastic container over a predetermined period of time andfor comparing the retention value so obtained with a predeterminedthreshold retention value so as to permit identification of the selectedcontainer as a leaking container, if the retention value so measured isless than the threshold value. Ejection means are also preferablyprovided for ejecting from the carousel means each of the plasticcontainers that are so identified as a leaking container.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the carouselmeans additionally translates the selected container in serially indexedrotary relation to each of the leak testing station, a labellingstation, the capping station, the collapsing station and the magazineloading station, and the apparatus additionally comprises, at thelabelling station, a second pressurizing means for pressurizing theselected collapsible plastic container with a fluid, such as air, so asto cause the collapsible body portion to become distended, and a labelapplicator means for applying an adhesive label to the body portion ofthe selected collapsible plastic container when so distended.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a foldingmeans is provided adjacent to the magazine loading station for foldingthe collapsible body portion of each selected collapsible plasticcontainer held within the magazine clip about an axis transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the selected container, thereby shortening theeffective longitudinal length of each selected collapsible plasticcontainer projecting from the magazine clip.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a transportmeans is also provided adjacent the magazine loading station fortransporting the selected collapsible plastic container held within themagazine clip in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of themagazine clip from an initial loaded position within the magazine clip,which initial loaded position is proximal to the magazine loadingstation, to a final loaded position within the magazine clip, whichfinal loaded position is distal to the magazine loading station.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofthe structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, the latter of which are briefly describedherein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a top plan schematic view showing, in simplified diagrammaticform, the various stations of an apparatus according to the invention,which apparatus performs the steps of a preferred method according tothe invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view from the top and side of an exemplarycollapsible plastic container, without a closure cap applied, for usewith the apparatus of FIG. 1c and method of the present invention;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view from the side of an exemplary collapsibleplastic container for use with the apparatus of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 1d is a perspective view of the closure cap for sealing thecollapsible plastic container of FIG. 1b, said closure cap beingillustrated in the fully opened position.

FIG. 1e is a plan view of the closure cap in sealing engagement with thecollapsible plastic container of FIG. 1b.

FIG. 1f is a side elevational view of the closure cap in sealingrelation with the selected collapsible plastic container.

FIG. 2 is a partial top plan of a preferred embodiment of an apparatusfor machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers into amagazine clip means, which apparatus performs the preferred methodaccording to the invention, with the capping means being partiallyomitted for ease of illustration of the label applicator means;

FIG. 2a is a side elevational view, on a larger scale, of a portion ofthe apparatus of FIG. 2 showing the selection means about to select oneof the plurality of collapsible plastic containers and the translationmeans for receiving the selected one collapsible plastic container;

FIG. 2b is a top plan view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG.2a in the region of sight line 2 c—2 c of FIG. 2a, and showing a secondone of the plurality of collapsible plastic containers passing acontainer spacing means associated with the apparatus of the invention,with a container spacing means in its inactivated configuration;

FIG. 2c is an end on elevational view along sight line 2 c—2 c of FIG.2a;

FIG. 2d is a top plan view similar to FIG. 2b in the region of sightline 2 c—2 c of FIG. 2a, with the container spacing means in itsactivated configuration;

FIG. 2e is an end on elevational view similar to FIG. 2c with thecontainer spacing means in its activated configuration;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of substantially the same portion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 2a, showing, in solid outline, the selectionmeans selecting one of the plurality of collapsible plastic containersand, in phantom outline, the transfer of the collapsible plasticcontainer so selected at the transfer station to the translation means;

FIG. 3a is a view of a portion of FIG. 3 on a larger scale showing anaxial orientation means in its operatively retracted position;

FIG. 3b is a view similar to FIG. 3a showing the axial orientation meansin its operatively extended position;

FIGS. 3c and 3 d are sectional views along sight line 3 c—3 c of FIG. 3illustrating, in sequence, the manner in which the selection means gripsthe selected collapsible plastic container about its non-collapsibleneck portion;

FIG. 3e is a sectional view along sight line 3 e—3 e of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3f is a top sectional view along sight line 3 f—3 f of FIG. 3e;

FIG. 3g is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2a, with the selectionmeans having selected a collapsible plastic container and havingtransferred said container to a transfer station of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view similar to FIG. 1c, but on a largerscale, showing the selected collapsible plastic container translated bythe translation means to a leak testing station of the apparatus;

FIG. 4a is a partial side elevational view of the selected collapsibleplastic container at the leak testing station of FIG. 4, with a firstpressurizing means shown in a raised configuration above saidcollapsible plastic container; FIG. 4b is a view similar to FIG. 4a,with the first pressurizing means shown (partly in section) lowered intosealing relation with the opening defined by the neck portion of theselected collapsible plastic container;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 4, showing the selectedcollapsible plastic container translated by the translation means to alabelling station of the apparatus;

FIG. 5a is a partial side elevational view of the selected collapsibleplastic container at the labelling station, with a second pressurizingmeans shown in a raised configuration above said selected collapsibleplastic container, and with a label applicator means shown in aretracted configuration;

FIG. 5b is a view similar to FIG. 5a, with the second pressurizing meanslowered into sealing relation with the opening defined by the neckportion of the selected container to pressurize said selectedcollapsible plastic container, and with the label applicator means in anextended configuration applying a self adhesive label to the selectedcontainer so pressurized;

FIG. 5c is a view similar to FIG. 5b, with the second pressurizing meansraised from sealing relation with the opening of the selected container,thereby releasing pressure from the selected container, and with theself-adhesive label applied;

FIG. 6 is a partial top plan view similar to FIG. 5, showing theselected collapsible plastic container translated by the translationmeans to the capping station, with the capping means partially omittedfor ease of illustration;

FIG. 6a is an enlarged top plan view of the capping means shown in FIG.6 showing a closure cap entering a cap orientation area of the hopper ofthe capping means, with the closure cap being in an upside downorientation;

FIG. 6b is a view similar to FIG. 6a, sequentially showing (partly inphantom outline) the upside down closure cap in the cap orientation areabeing ejected at an ejection zone from an upper level of the hopper backdown to a lower level of the hopper;

FIG. 6c is an enlarged scale view of ejection zone of FIG. 6b;

FIG. 6d is a sectional view along sight line 6 d of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 6e is a sectional view along sight line 6 e of FIG. 6b;

FIG. 6f is a sectional view along sight line 6 f of FIG. 6b;

FIG. 6g is an enlarged top plan view of the capping means shown in FIG.6 illustrating a closure cap entering the cap orientation area of thehopper of the capping means, with the closure cap being in a right sideup orientation;

FIG. 6h is a view similar to FIG. 6g, illustrating (partly in phantomoutline) the right side up closure cap in the cap orientation areabypassing the ejection zone of the hopper;

FIG. 6i is a sectional view along sight 6 i of FIG. 6g;

FIG. 6j is a sectional view along sight line 6 j of FIG. 6g;

FIG. 6k is a side elevation view, partly in phantom outline, along sightline 6 k—6 k of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 6l is a side elevational view along sight line 61—61 of FIG. 6k;

FIG. 6m is a top plan view on an enlarged scale, of a left portion ofFIG. 6g, with a portion of the apparatus cutaway for purposes ofillustration;

FIG. 6n is an enlarged view of the area contained within the bracketsdesignated 6 n, and 6 o of FIG. 6m;

FIG. 6o is a view similar to FIG. 6n;

FIG. 6p is an enlarged view of the area contained within the bracketsdesignated 6 p and 6 q of FIG. 6m;

FIG. 6q is a view similar to FIG. 6p;

FIG. 6r is a side elevational view of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer at the capping station, as viewed along sight line 6 r-r ofFIG. 6˜ with the capping plunger shown in a raised configuration;

FIG. 6s is a view similar to FIG. 6r, with the capping plunger shown ina lowered configuration;

FIG. 6t is a top plan view of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer, with closure cap applied, during initial translation by thetranslation means from the capping station toward the collapsingstation;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the radial sector of the apparatus definedby arced sight line 7—7 of FIG. 1c, showing the selected collapsibleplastic container at the collapsing station;

FIG. 7a is a top plan view of a portion of FIG. 7, on an enlarged scale,showing a first portion of the cap opening means initiating opening ofthe closure cap applied to the selected collapsible plastic container atthe capping station through interaction of the cap opening means withthe translation means and the cap closure upon rotary indexing of theselected container from the capping station to the collapsing station;

FIG. 7b is a side elevational view along broken sight line 7 b—7 b ofFIG. 7a;

FIG. 7c is a top plan view similar to FIG. 7a, showing a second portionof the cap opening means carrying out further opening of the closure capduring rotary indexing of the selected collapsible plastic containerfrom the capping station to the collapsing station;

FIG. 7d is a side elevational view along sight line 7 d of FIG. 7c;

FIG. 7e is a side elevational view along sight line is 7 e—7 e of FIG.7c, with the rotary indexing of the indexing of the selected collapsibleplastic container having progressed to the point where the secondportion of the cap opening means is completing opening of the closurecap;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the selected plastic container atthe collapsing station as viewed along sight line 8—8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8a is a top plan view (partly in section) along sight line 8 a—8 aof FIG. 8;

FIG. 8b is an enlarged top portion of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8c is a top plan view(partly in section) along sight line 8 c—8 cof FIG. 8b;

FIG. 8d is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 8, with an evacuatedhead, being part of the collapsing means, lowered into sealing relationwith opening means, lowered into sealing relation with opening definedby the neck portion of the selected container;

FIG. 8e is a cross-sectional view through the top portion of FIG. 8dshowing evacuation of the selected collapsible plastic container by theevacuation head;

FIG. 8f is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 8d, showingcollapsing of the collapsible body portion of the selected collapsibleplastic container by physical compression of said body portion by twoopposed compression plated, said compression plates being part of thecollapsing means;

FIG. 8g is a top plan view(partly in section) along sight line 8 g—8 gof FIG. 8f;

FIG. 8h is a cross-sectional view through the top portion of FIG. 8fshowing operation of the cap closing means after collapsing of thecollapsible body portion as depicted in FIGS. 8e, 8 f and 8 g;

FIG. 9a is a top plan view of the radial sector of the apparatus definedby arced sight line 9 a—9 a of FIG. 2, showing the selected collapsibleplastic container positioned at the magazine loading station (in solidoutline), and within the magazine clip means, (in phantom outline) aftertranslation by the loading means;

FIG. 9a′ is a simplified diagrammatic perspective view (not to scale) ofthe bracketed area 9 a′ of FIG. 9a;

FIG. 9b is a top plan view similar to FIG. 9a, showing a transport meansadjacent to the magazine loading station activated to commence transportof the selected collapsible plastic container from an initial loadedposition is within the magazine clip;

FIG. 9c is a top plan view similar to FIG. 9b, showing the transportmeans transporting the selected collapsible plastic container from itsinitial loaded position within the magazine clip (in phantom outline) toits final loaded position (in solid outline) within the magazine clip;

FIG. 9d is a side elevational view of the portion of the apparatus shownin FIG. 9a;

FIG. 9e is a side elevational view of the portion of the apparatus shownin FIG. 9c;

FIGS. 9f and 9 g are end-on sectional views along sight line 9 f—9 f ofFIG. 9b, with the head position of the transport means shown in itsdeactivated position in phantom outline in FIG. 9f (corresponding to theposition depicted in FIG. 9a), and in its activated in solid outline inFIG. 9g (corresponding to the position depicted in FIG. 9b);

FIG. 9h is an end-on sectional view similar to FIG. 9f, showing amagazine clip filled with collapsible plastic containers being releasedfrom the clip holder of the loading means;

FIG. 9i is a view similar to FIG. 9h, showing a fresh magazine clipbeing lowered into position within the clip holder of the loading meansfor subsequent loading of a plurality of the selected collapsibleplastic container into the magazine clip;

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagrammatic perspective view from the top andside of an exemplary collapsible plastic container showing it beingfolded according to an alternative embodiment of the invention about anaxis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container, so as toshorten the effective longitudinal length of the container projectingfrom the magazine clip;

FIG. 10a is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment ofapparatus according to the invention (similar in view to the preferredembodiment of FIG. 9d), said alternative embodiment being functional tofold the collapsible plastic containers in the magazine clip means inthe manner shown in FIG. 10;

FIGS. 10b, 10 c and 10 d are sequential schematic end on viewsdemonstrating, in operation, the means for folding the selectedcollapsible plastic container;

FIG. 10e is a side elevational view of the modified embodiment of FIG.10a, depicting, in solid outline, a secondary carriage means interactingwith a modified carriage means to hold a selected collapsible plasticcontainer in its folded position, and in phantom outline, transportmeans associated with the magazine clip loading station activated tocommence transport of the folded collapsible plastic container from aninitial loaded position within the magazine clip;

FIG. 10f is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 10c similarto that of FIG. 10e showing the transport of a plurality of foldedcollapsible plastic containers within the magazine clip means;

FIG. 10g depicts the schematic movement of the means for retaining theloaded collapsible plastic containers within the magazine clip means;and

FIG. 10h is an end sectional view of the alternative embodiment of theapparatus diagrammed in FIG. 10a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1a of the drawings there will be seen a schematictop plan view which illustrates, in simplified diagrammatic form, thevarious stations of a preferred embodiment of apparatus according to theinvention, which preferred embodiment performs the steps of a preferredmethod according to the invention. More particularly, there is shown asix station apparatus, designated by the general reference numeral 20,for machine packing a plurality of collapsible plastic containers 22into a magazine clip means 24 for subsequent handling of the collapsibleplastic containers 22 en masse while still loaded within the magazineclip means 24, or individually as they are removed in seriatim from themagazine clip means 24, such as is disclosed in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,269,427 and 4,815,256. The six stations are: 1) a transfer station 25;2) a leak testing station 26; 3) a labelling station 28; 4) a cappingstation 30; 5) a collapsing station 32; and, 6) a magazine loadingstation 34. Each collapsible plastic container 22 is introduced by aselection means 38 into a rotatable carousel means 36 at the transferstation 25, which carousel means thereafter turns in a radially indexedmanner (in the clockwise direction of arrow A of FIG. 1a) to carry eachcollapsible plastic container 22 in a stepped manner from station tostation. At each station, one or more method steps of the invention arecarried out on the particular collapsible plastic container 22 thenpositioned at that station, such that each collapsible plastic container22 is eventually loaded in a capped, collapsed configuration into themagazine clip means 24 at the magazine loading station 34. Accordingly,each complete rotation of the carousel means 36 results, on a continuousbasis, in one collapsible plastic container 22 being loaded into themagazine clip means 24 at the magazine loading station 34, as anothercollapsible plastic container 22 is being loaded into the carousel means36 at the transfer station 25. Thus, the process of the invention issubstantially continuous, with one collapsible plastic container 22being processed per revolution of the carousel mean 36. This arrangementmakes the apparatus 20 extremely compact and easy to fit into existingblow moulding plants or similar installations. The apparatus 20illustrated and described in detail herein is considered a single cavitymachine, since only one collapsible plastic container 22 is beingprocess per station. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the apparatus described and claimed herein can be readilyadapted by the exercise of routine skill to provide for a multiplecavity type of apparatus that simultaneously processes a plurality ofplastic containers 22 at each station, such that each revolution of thecarousel means 36 results in an equal plurality of collapsible plasticcontainers 22 being loaded into one or more magazine means 24 positionedadjacent to the magazine loading station 34. Such a multiple cavitymachine is not, for ease of illustration, specifically described herein,although it is specifically within the spirit and scope of the inventiondisclosed and claimed herein.

Turning to FIG. 1b, there will be seen an exemplary form of collapsibleplastic container 22 for use with the apparatus and method according tothe invention. Suitable forms of collapsible plastic containers 22 arealready known in the prior art, and one such container is described indetail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,427. Such collapsible plastic containers22 each have a collapsible body portion, generally designated by thereference numeral 40, manufactured from thin plastic material, such asrecyclable low density polyethylene, and are collapsible for storage ortransport purposes, along hinge lines 46 integrally formed along sidewalls thereof. Each collapsible plastic container 22 also preferablyincludes a grasping means in the form of an integrally formed handle 48.A non-collapsible neck portion, designated by general reference numeral42, is integrally formed of thicker plastics material atop thecollapsible body portion 40. The neck portion 42 defines an opening 44into the internal volume defined by the collapsible body portion 40together with indexing means, comprising a pair of opposed flats 50, 50arranged on the outer side surface of the neck portion 42. Although onlyone flat 50 is visible in FIG. 1b, collapsible plastic container 22actually includes two such flats which are arranged on diametricallyopposed outer sides of the non-collapsible neck portion 42, and areadapted to be received in register with corresponding portions of meansfor selectively positioning the container 22 in predetermined radialalignment relative thereto during handling operations of the container22.

The non-collapsible neck portion 42 includes further indexing meanscomprising two annular rings 52 and 54, adapted to be secured inregister with corresponding portions of means for selectivelypositioning the collapsible plastic container 22 in predetermined axialalignment thereto. Annular rings 52 and 54 are axially spaced apart fromone another across the flats 50 and 50. Ring 54 comprises a raisedportion of shoulder 56 of the collapsible plastic container 22. Ring 52is arranged along non-collapsible neck portion 42 at an axial locationimmediately below a point where a lower annular edge 60 (see FIG. 1f) ofa closure cap (designated by general reference numeral 58 in FIGS. 1bthrough 1 f) is adapted to be positioned with the closure cap 58 securedin snap-on intermitting relation over annular rib 62. Ring 52 is sizedto be at least generally radially coextensive with the closure cap 58when the closure cap 58 is so secured.

The closure cap 58 is of a general type known in the prior art anddescribed in detail in , inter alia, U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,427. Forpresent purposes, it is sufficient to describe such type of closure capas follows, with reference to FIGS. 1d through 1 f of the drawings.Closure cap 58 includes a hinged lid portion 64 and an underlying rimportion 63 which attaches as aforesaid in sealed relation to thenon-collapsible neck portion 42 of the plastic container 22. The hingedportion 64 is adapted to articulate with respect to the rim portion 63about an integrally formed hinge means 66 between opened (See FIG. 1d)and closed (See FIGS. 1e and 1 f) positions. In the open position, theclosure cap 58 is adapted to pass materials through a central opening 68defined by a raised spigot portion 69 defined on the rim portion 63. Inthe closed position, the plug member 65 seals the central opening 68. Inthis manner, closure cap 58 is adapted to be applied to thenon-collapsible neck portion 42 in closed, sealing relation over theopening 44 of the plastic container 22. Closure caps of this generaltype can be constructed from recyclable low density polyethylene, orfrom high density polyethylene. Such a closure cap 58 may optionallyhave a pressure-sensitive area 70 on the rim portion 63, which area isadapted to act as a child-resistant feature by facilitating manualopening only of the lid portion 64 upon the application thereto of aradially inwardly directed compressive force of threshold magnitude. Thepreferred closure cap illustrated additionally comprises a cap indexingmeans, in the form of an upstanding elongated rib 72 having mutuallyopposed sides 72 a and 72 b, the rib 72 being arranged on the topsurface of the lid portion of 64 in off-set relation to the centre ofthe lid portion 64. This allows the elongated rib 72 to be received inregister with corresponding portions of the capping means of theapparatus 20, as described more fully below, so as to facilitatepositioning of the closure cap 58 in predetermined radial alignment overa collapsible plastic container 22 at the capping station. Suchalignment, in turn, permits mechanical application of the closure cap 58onto the non-collapsible neck portion 42 of the collapsible plasticcontainer 22 in corresponding indexed radial alignment, as will also bedescribed in more detail below.

Turning to FIGS. 2 through 9i, a preferred embodiment 20 of apparatusaccording to the invention will now be described in detail, whichapparatus 20 performs the preferred method according to the invention.

The collapsible plastic containers 22 are manually loaded onto aconventional conveyor means 74 from a blow moulding machine or the like(not shown). The conveyor 74 is numerically controlled by means of aconventional computer CPU means (not shown) as are all the automatedcomponents of the apparatus 20, and such computer CPU means will not bespecifically detailed herein. The conveyor 74 comprises a belt 76,driven roller 78 and has guide rail s 80 associated therewith, to retainthe collapsible plastic containers 22 thereon. The collapsible plasticcontainers 22 move under urging of the conveyor 74 in the direction ofarrow “A” of FIG. 2a. Container spacing means 82 are provided tomaintain the lead collapsible plastic container 22 at a predeterminedspaced apart interval on said conveyor 74 from the serially arranged rowof collapsible plastic containers 22 therebehind prior to axialorientation and to indexing by the selection means 38.

Having particular reference to FIGS. 2a through 2 e, the containerspacing means 82 provides a release gate member 84 which in use with theconveyor 74 operates to control movement of the conveyor belt 76 attimed intervals, whereby each successive collapsible plastic container22 arrives at the selection means 38 as required. The release gatemember 84 cooperates with a photoelectric cell 86 and sensor 88 torelease a pair of holding rods 84 a, 84 b controlled by way ofrespective solenoid means 85 a, 85 b, with the photoelectric beam 92being positioned to register the presence of each collapsible plasticcontainer 22 as it interrupts the photoelectric beam 92 on its way tothe section means 38. In operation, the conveyor 74, the containerspacing means 82, the photoelectric cell 86, and the sensor 88,cooperate with each other and the computer CPU means (not shown) totransport each collapsible plastic container 22, in turn, into abutmentagainst a stationary stop member 102 provided at the selection means 38.More particularly, there will be seen in FIGS. 2b and 2 c a second oneof the collapsible plastic containers 22 approaching the photoelectricbeam 92 of the container spacing means 82, which is in its inactivatedconfiguration, with the holding rods 84 a, 84 b each fully retracted bythe respective solenoid means 85 a, 85 b. As the photoelectric beam 92is broken by the leading edge of the second bottle 22, the solenoidmeans 85 a, 85 b are triggered through the computer CPU means (notshown) to be activated so as to cause sliding of the holding rods 84 aand 84 b in the direction of the arrows “A” and “B” of FIGS. 2d and 2 eto the activated configuration of the container spacing means 82 shownin these latter two Figures, at which configuration the holding rods 84a and 84 b frictionally restrain the second collapsible container 22from further forward movement. When the second collapsible container 22is required at the section means 38, the computer CPU means (not shown)will send an appropriate signal to the solenoid means 85 a, 85 breturning them to their original retracted positions to permit travel ofthe second container 22 along the conveyor belt 76.

Preferably, prior to indexing the collapsible plastic container 22 atthe selection means 38, axial orientation means 94 are activated toensure the requisite operative registering of the collapsible plasticcontainer 22 at the selection means 38. More specifically, the axialorientation means 94 comprises a pair of opposed, angularly disposedpneumatically actuated ram assemblies 94 a and 94 b mounted beneath asupport frame 96. The support frame 96 defines a pair of downwardlyextending spaced arm members 96 a and 96 b interconnected by means of ahorizontally extending leg member 100. The dual ram assemblies 96 a and96 b respectively define, at each of their outer ends, collapsibleplastic container positioning members 103 a and 103 b, which members 103a and 103 b are chamfered with such high tolerance so as to permit themto together positively engage one of the indexing flats 50 of the neckportion 42 of the collapsible plastic container 22, when both ramassemblies 96 a and 96 b are actuated form their operatively restrictedpositions (as seen in FIG. 3a) to their operatively extended positions,(as shown in FIG. 3b) under timed control of the computer CPU means (notshown). The opposite other flat 50 on the circumference of thenon-collapsible neck position 42 abuts against the edge of thestationary stop means 102. Thus, the axial orientation means 94 andstationary stop member 102, which latter, engages the opposed indexingflat 50, function in combination to precisely axially index thecollapsible plastic container 22 in a pick-up zone adjacent to theselection means 38.

The selection means 38 is functional to select one of said collapsibleplastic containers 22 from a serially arranged row of the plurality ofcollapsible plastic containers 22 positioned on the conveyor 74, and tothereafter transfer said selected plastic container 22′ to the transferstation 25 of the apparatus 22. This function will now be described inmore detail with particular reference to FIGS. 2a, 3 and 3 c through 3g, inclusive. With the selected collapsible plastic container 22′axially indexed in the pick-up zone in abutting relation to thestationary stop means 102, as described-above and as illustrated inFIGS. 2a and 3, a first pneumatically controlled ram assembly 104 isprovided to lower and raise a resilient plunger 108 into the opening 44of the non-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selected collapsibleplastic container 22′. A second pneumatically controlled ram assembly106, operatively interconnected with said first ram assembly 104, isfunctional to expand and contract the plunger 108 within the opening 44of the non-collapsible neck portion 42, to thereby grippingly engage theselected collapsible plastic container 22′ during its transfer betweenthe pick-up zone and the transfer station 25.

The first pneumatically controlled ram assembly 104, as illustrated inFIG. 3e, comprises a cylinder 110 and a piston 112, which piston 112 isoperatively connected via a support arm 110 to the second pneumaticallycontrolled ram assembly 106. The support arm 110 moves up and down (asillustrated by arrow “c”) in conjunction with controlled movement of thepiston 112.

The second pneumatically controlled ram assembly 106 is mounted on thesupport arm 111, and comprises a pneumatic cylinder 115, which cylinder115 controls vertical travel of its associated piston 118 within a bore120 defined therethrough (see FIGS. 3c and 3 d).

The resilient plunger 108 is preferably constructed in two symmetricalhalves 108 a and 108 b, which halves snugly encircle a central,non-resilient sleeve 122 secured to the lower end of piston 118. Thesleeve 122 presents at its lower end a protruding annular flange portion126. The flange portion 126 is sized larger than the internal diameterof the lower plunger half 108 b, but slightly undersized to the opening44 of the neck portion 42. The outer perimeter of the flange portion 126is preferably chamfered, as shown, to facilitate smooth, non-bindinginsertions into the opening 44 of the neck portion 42.

As seen in FIGS. 2a and 3, the selection means 38 is initiallypositioned with the resilient plunger 108 centered over the opening 44of the selected container 22′. Upon receipt of an actuation signal fromthe CPU computer means (not shown), the first pneumatically controlledram assembly 104 is actuated so as to cause the piston 112 to movedownwardly, which causes the plunger 108 to enter the opening 44 of theneck portion 42 to its full extent of travel, as seen in FIG. 3e. Afurther sequenced actuation signal form the CPU computer means (notshown) then causes the piston 118 of the second pneumatically controlledram assembly 106 to retract upwardly a predetermined distance, causingthe resilient plunger halves 108 a and 108 b to be compressed byconcurrent upward travel of the flanged tip portion 126 of the plungersleeve 122. This compression of the halves 108 a and 108 b within theopening 44 of the non-collapsible neck portion 42 (shown in section inFIG. 3d) causes outward radial expansion of the halves 108 a and 108 b,thereby bringing the plunger 108 into secure gripping engagement withthe inner wall 45 of the neck portion 42, so as to permit subsequenttransfer of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ from thepick-up zone to the transfer station 25 of apparatus 22, as is morefully described below.

The selection means 38 further comprises a generally rectangular,laterally movable, loading arm 134, which loading arm is secured to theupper end of the second cylinder 110 of the first pneumaticallycontrolled ram assembly 104, and is rotatably mounted to a spindleassembly 135, so as to be rotatable through 90 degrees of horizontalrotating motion from a selection position centred over the opening 44 ofthe non-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selected container 22′ (asseen in FIGS. 2a, 3 (in phantom outlines), 3 c and 3 d) to a transferposition (as seen in FIGS. 3e, 3 f and 3 g). During this 90 degrees ofhorizontal rotary motion of the loading arm 134, the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ has thus been translated form thepick-up zone previously described to the transfer station 25, whilstmaintaining the non-collapsible neck portion 47 in the same axiallyindexed orientation achieved at the fixed stop means 102 with the aid ofthe axial orientation means 94, as previously described. The controlled90 degrees of movement of the loading arm 134 just described is achievedby sequential actuation of a conventional motor 140, operatively mountedabove and connected to the spindle 135, upon receipt of appropriatecontrol signals received from the computer CPU means (not shown). Itwill be appreciated from FIGS. 3g, 3 e and 3 f, that, as the loading arm134 swings into the transfer station 25, the two opposed flats 50 on thenon-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′ are accepted in retained indexed relation between twochamfered fingers 136 a and 136 b of a U-shaped holding bracket 136,which holding bracket 136 is in turn rigidly affixed by four bolts 137to a generally C-shaped, vertical mounting plate 138′, which mountingplate 138′ is welded, or otherwise rigidly affixed at its lower end to atranslation means, which, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, takesthe form of a rotatable carousel means 36. Once transferred in thismanner by the loading arm 134 to the fingers 136 a and 136 b at thetransfer station 25, the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ isreleased from gripping by the loading arm 134 by downward movement ofthe piston 118 of the second pneumatically controlled ram assembly 106,(which causes relaxation and consequent radial shrinkage at the twoplunger halves 108 a and 108 b), followed by upward movement of thepiston 112 of the first pneumatically controlled ram assembly 104, so asto withdraw the resilient plunger 108 form the opening 44 of thenon-collapsible neck portion 42. The loading arm 134 is thereafter freeto move under control of the motor 140 back through 90 degrees ofhorizontal rotary motion to its original position (shown in FIG. 2a) topick up the next collapsible plastic container 22 which will, by thetime of such return motion, have advanced to the stationary stop member102.

In addition to the vertical mounting plate 138′, five additionalcongruent mounting plates 138, each having a U-Shaped holding bracket136, are provided at regularly pre-determined spaced intervals on thecarousel means 36, whereupon, as stated earlier, one selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ is fully processed per revolution ofthe carrousel means 36 at each successive station of the apparatus. Inthis manner, the carousel means 36 is adapted for accepting the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ at the transfer station 25 in radiallyindexed, retained relation about its neck portion 42, and fortranslating the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ in seriallyindexed rotary relation to each of the capping 39, collapsing 32 andmagazine loading 34 stations, respectively. Moreover, it is to be notedthat the selection means 38 comprises, in combination, said first 104and second 106 plunger ram assemblies, the plunger 108, and the loadingarm 134, with the associated parts and subassemblies associatedtherewith, as described above.

From the transfer station 25, the selected collapsible plastic container22′ is preferably indexed, by rotation of the carousel means 36 undercontrol of the computer CPU means (not shown), to a leak testing station26 (see FIGS. 4, 4 a and 4 b). At the leak testing station 26, a firstpressuring means 142 comprising a pneumatic ram assembly 143 and apressure nozzle 144 is positioned in centred relation over the opening44 of the non-collapsible neck portion 42. Upon receipt of anappropriate actuation signal from the computer CPU means (not shown), apressure nozzle 144 is lowered in the direction of arrow “e” of FIG. 4bby means of the ram assembly 143 into sealing relation over the opening44 of by the non-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selected collapsibleplastic container 22′, said nozzle 144 having an internal conduit 146for passage of a pressurized fluid therethrough as indicated by arrows“f” of FIG. 4b. The fluid is introduced into the conduit 146 undercontrol by the computer CPU means (not shown), via line 148 connected toany suitable pressurized fluid source, as is well known to one skilledin the art. Preferably, the pressurized fluid is air; however anysuitable fluid may be utilized. Operatively connected to said nozzle144, is a pressure gauge 150 having associated therewith a timer 152 formonitoring the retention time of the fluid at specified pressures withinthe selected non-collapsible plastic container 22′. The retention ofpressure over a set time value is compared with a predeterminedthreshold value to thereby determine whether the selected collapsibleplastic container 22′ meets leak test specifications. Typically, thepressurized fluid is retained in the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′ at a pressure of about 0.5 p.s.i to about 3.0 psi for atest time of between about 2.0 to about 6.0 seconds. Selected containers22′ found not to meet the leak test specification are preferably ejectedfrom the apparatus 20 prior to the indexing thereof into the magazineclip loading station 34 by means of a pneumatically controlled ejectioncylinder (not shown) placed at a convenient location after the leaktesting station 26. The computer CPU means (not shown) takes note of theempty position on the carousel means 36 following such ejection, andsuspends subsequent operations (e.g. labelling) at the empty positionuntil a fresh non-leaking collapsible plastic container 22 is insertedinto the empty position upon a subsequent revolution of the carouselmeans 36.

From the leak testing station 26, the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′ is translated by serially indexed rotation of the carouselmeans 36 under control of the computer CPU means (not shown) to,optionally, the labelling station 28. FIGS. 5, 5 a, 5 b and 5 c allpertain to the labelling station 28. Initially, prior to application ofthe commercially available adhesive labels 154, which are provided on asupply roll 156, which poll in turn is rotatably mounted on a spindle158, the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ must be once againsubjected to a mechanical pressurization step to distend the collapsiblebody portion 40 of the selected collapsible plastic container 221, tothereby provide a substantially rigid, smooth outer surface forapplication of adhesive labels thereto. For this purpose, a secondpressurization means 160 is provided, which means 160 essentiallycomprises a pneumatic ram assembly 161 and Pd pressure head assembly 163which assembly 163 is lowered by the ram assembly 161 under computercontrol into sealing relation with the opening 44 defined by thenon-collapsible neck portion 42, in a manner generally analogous to thefirst pressurization of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′,which has been described supra in connection with the first pressuringmeans 142 positioned over the leak testing station 26. Once lowered fromits initial raised configuration (as seen in FIG. 5a), to its loweredoperative configuration (as seen in FIG. 5b), a pressurized fluid(preferably air) is pumped into the selected plastic collapsiblecontainer 22′ by way of air supply line 163 a. Once the collapsible bodyportion 40 is fully distended (as seen in FIG. 5b), the label 154 ispressed onto said container 22′ by means of a conventional tamp padlabel applicator means having the general reference number 162, whichmeans can be, for example, an Avery™ ALS 330L label applicator availablefrom CCL Labelling Equipment of 3070 Mainway Drive, Burlington, Ontario,Canada. More specifically, the label applicator means comprises atamping member 164 movable between a retracted configuration, when theselected collapsible plastic container 22′ is in the collapsed state (asshown in FIG. 5a)and an extended configuration, when the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ is in the distended state (as shown inFIG. 5b). Following adhesion of the label 154, the tamping member 164 isagain retracted using the provided means, and the pressurizing means 160is raised and is released from sealing relation with the opening 44 ofthe neck portion 42 of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′(as shown in FIG. 5c). The label applicator means 162 also comprises atake-up roll 155 rotatably mounted upon spindle 153, upon which spindle153 backing sheet 157 for the adhesive labels 154 is wound up upon aftertransfer of each adhesive label 154 to a respective one of the selectedcollapsible plastic containers 22′ in the manner just described.

Following labelling, or alternatively, if either or both of the leaktesting or labelling steps have been omitted from the apparatus 20, theselected collapsible plastic container 22′ is indexed by means ofcomputer control rotary motion of the carousel means 36 to the cappingstation 30.

The capping station 30, which fits the non-collapsible neck portion 42of the selected collapsible plastic container 221 with a closure capmember 58, is detailed more fully in FIGS. 6 through 6t, inclusive. Thecapping station 30 comprises a modified cap vibrator 166, an unmodifiedversion being comprised of, for example, a Syntron™ cap vibrator hopperModel No. B10090 and a Feeder™ spiral track portion Model No. EB172,both available from Food Machinery Corporation of Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.Closure caps 58 as previously described are introduced into the capvibrator hopper 168. Vibrational forces transport the closure capmembers 58 in a conventional manner along an upwardly climbing spiraltrack portion 170 of the vibrator 166 into a cap orientation area 182,as indicated by arrows “q” in FIGS. 6a and 6 b. The spiral track portion170 is angled downwardly, toward the outside of the cap vibrator 166, asbest seen in FIGS. 6d-6 f, 6 i and 6 j.

As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6c through 6 f and 6 i and 6 j,ejection means, designated by the general reference 172, are providedfor discarding closure caps 58 which are aligned in the incorrect, thatis to say, in the upside down orientation, said discarded closure caps58 being redirected downwardly back into the cap vibrator hopper portion168.

More specifically, said ejection means 172 comprises a tapered rampinsert strip 174 which is tapered, at its approach upwardly inthickness, becoming thicker with height and tapering downwardly at itsoutermost periphery, a curved wall portion 176, and a straight wallportion 177. The tapered ramp insert strip 174 functions as a rampcompensation means to modify the cap vibrator 166 to enable handling ofthe particular closure caps 58 utilized in the present method andapparatus. To understand the operation of the ejection means 172 morefully, it must be considered that any particular closure cap 58vibrating its way up the spiral track portion 170 can have any one ofthree general orientations; that is, it may be oriented on the side edgeof the rim portion 63, as exemplified by the closure cap 58′ in FIG. 6b;it may be oriented with its upstanding elongate rib 72 facing upwardly,as exemplified by the closure cap 581″ in FIGS. 6a through 6 f,inclusively; or, it may be oriented with its upstanding elongate rib 72facing downwardly, as exemplified by the closure cap 58′″ in FIGS. 6gthrough 6 j, inclusive. It is only those closure caps 58 that have thislatter downwardly facing orientation that will pass through the caporientation area 182 and pass by the ejection means 172 so as tothereafter be press-fitted onto the neck portion 42 of a selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′. Closure caps 58 having theaforementioned side edge or the upwardly facing orientations will beejected back into the cap receiving hopper 168 of the cap vibrator means166, in a manner now to be described.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6b, there will be seen the aforesaidclosure cap 58′ entering into the cap orientation area 182. As theclosure cap 58′ is on its side edge, its vertical height is higher thanthe vertical height of the curved wall portion 176 (which extendsbackwardly down the spiral track portion 170 to the cap receiving hopper168), such that the random vibratory motion generated by the capvibrator means 166 causes closure caps 58′ having this orientation toflip over the curved wall portion 176 back into the cap receiving hopper168, as indicated by the phantom outline of cap 58′ and arrow “g” inFIG. 6b.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 6a through 6 f, there will be seen aclosure cap 58″ oriented with its upstanding elongate rib 72 facingupwardly. As the closure cap 58″ moves up the spiral track portion 170,its leading edge rides up over the tapered strip 174, as shown in FIG.6d. Continued movement causes the closure cap 58″ to clear the curvedwall portion 176 so as to come into contact with the straight wallportion 177, as sequentially shown in phantom outline in FIGS. 6b and 6c, and in solid outline in FIGS. 6d and 6 e. The closure cap 58″continues to move along the straight wall portion 177 to its end face178, whereat it slides back into the cap receiving hopper 168, asindicated by arrow “h” in each of FIGS. 6b, 6 b, 6 c, and 6 f.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 6g through 6 j, there will be seen aclosure cap 58′″ oriented with its elongate rib 72 facing downwardly. Asthe closure cap 58′″ moves up the spiral track portion 170, its leadingedge rides up over the tapered strip 174, as shown in FIG. 6i. Continuedmovement causes the closure cap 58′″ to clear the curved wall portion176 so as to come into contact with the straight wall portion 177, assequentially shown in phantom outline in FIGS. 6j, and in solid outlinein FIGS. 6i and 6 j. However, it will be noted, as best seen in FIG. 6j,that when the closure cap 58′″ is in contact with the straight wallportion 177, the elongate rib 72 is also in retaining contact with alateral edge 179 of the tapered strip 174. This retaining contact allowsthe closure cap 58′″ to continue moving up the spiral track portion 170,even after the closure cap 58′″ clears the end face 178 of the straightwall portion 177, thereby preventing closure caps 58 having the properorientation (ie. Similar to that of 58′″) from falling back into the capreceiving hopper 168. Thus, it will be noted in, for example, in FIG.6h, that all of the closure caps 58 shown upstream of the caporientation area 182 have the same general orientation on the spiraltrack portion 170 as the closure cap 58′″, i.e, their elongate indexingrib 72 is facing downwardly relative to the spiral track portion 170.

From the cap orientation area 182, the closure caps 58 continue upwardlyalong the spiral track portion 170 in the direction of arrow “q” to asecond ejection means 183. It will be appreciated that, of the closurecaps 58 approaching the second ejection means 183, some may be in thecorrect orientation (i.e., with their elongate indexing rib 72 facingdownwardly), but still be 180 degrees out of the correct circumferentialorientation shown in FIGS. 6i and 6 j. This is possible because of theeccentric placement of the elongate indexing rib 72 on each closure cap58 as previously described, and is significant for subsequent mechanizedhandling of the closure cap 58 at the capping station 30. Accordingly,the purpose of the second ejection means 183, is to eject back to thecap receiving hopper 168 those of the closure caps 58 entering thesecond ejection means 183 with the correct top to bottom orientationpreviously described, but without the proper circumferential orientationshown in FIGS. 6i and 6 j. A secondary purpose of the second ejectionmeans 183 is to begin the descent, in fully indexed relation, of theclosure caps 58 from their position atop the cap vibrator 166 down tothe level of the capping station 30, where they will be applied inseriatim to the non-collapsible neck portion 42 of an awaiting selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′. To this end, each closure cap 58enters the second ejection means 183 with its elongate indexing ridge 72in frictional aligned contact with the edge 179 of the tapered strip174. The edge 179 is aligned to continue within the second ejectionmeans 183 as an edge 184, which edge 184 guides the closure cap throughthe second ejection means 183 to an enlarged open area 185, which area185 is shown as opening to above and to below. In this open area 185, asupport ledge 181 supports only those closure caps 58 which arecorrectly oriented in the circumferential sense. Those closure caps 58that are 180 degrees out of circumferential orientation areeccentrically positioned on the ledge, with the result that they are notfully supported by the ledge. Accordingly, the improperly orientedclosure caps 58 fall from the ledge 181, through the open area 185 andback returned to the cap vibrating hopper 168.

Those of the closure caps 58 having a completely correct orientation forcapping, proceed from the second ejection means 183 into a first captrack section 186 which is C-shaped in elevation, as best seen from FIG.6l. The first cap track section 186 is comprised of an upper 186 a and alower 186 b track plate, which plates together define a curved channelin which the closure caps 58 move from the second ejection means 183into a second cap track section 187 positioned in a lower horizontalplane. The lower track plate 186 b is, in actuality, made up of twomirror image plates 186 b′, 186 b″, separated one from the other by aslot 190, which slot 190 is linearly aligned with the edge 184 of thesecond ejection means 183, so as to provide an indexing pathway for theelongate indexing ribs 72 of the closure caps 58 as they make their wayfrom the second ejection means 183 to the capping station 30. In makingthe transition from the second ejection means 183 to the second captrack section 187, it will be appreciated that the closure caps 58 havebeen inverted in orientation, so that the elongate indexing rib 72 ofeach closure cap in the second cap track section 187 is facing upwardly.

The closure caps 58 travel horizontally along the second cap tracksection 187 to a right-angled bend 196, (see especially FIGS. 6m, 6 nand 6 o), whereupon they enter into a third cap track section 193, whichthird section 193 is also generally horizontally oriented. The third captrack section 193 is constructed similarly to the second cap tracksection 187 of upper 193 a and lower 193 b track plates and to define acontinuation 190 a of the slot 190, which slot 190 is widened in theproximity of the bend 196 to define a turning vestibule 200. Ahorizontally disposed, pneumatically actuated and computer controlledram 194 is provided to assist movement of the closure caps 58 around theright-angled portion 196. The ram 194 defines at the outermost endthereof, a precisely toleranced head 189 which, in cooperation with anangle edge 200 a of the vestibule 200, is functional upon actuationthereof (as indicated by the arrows “i” of FIGS. 6m and 6 o) to advanceand rotate each closure cap 58 (as indicated by arrows “j” of FIG. 6o)to the desired orientation whereat the elongate indexing rib 72 ismaintained in the continuation 190 a of slot 190 which is defined asaforesaid in the third cap track section 193.

After making their way around the right-angled bend 196, the closurecaps 58 make their way along the third cap track section 193 toward thecapping station 30. A horizontally disposed pneumatically actuated andcomputer controlled ram assembly 202, positioned between upper 193 a andlower 193 b track plates, is provided for interacting with the finalfour cap members 58 (as indicated by arrows “k” in FIG. 6p) aligned inthe continuation slot 190 a as they approach the capping station 30.(See FIGS. 6m, 6 p and 6 q.) This interaction provides the drive energyfor a cap positioning means 201, which means 201 acts to effect aprecise positioning of each closure cap 58 at a capping site 207 locatedabove the neck portion 42 of the selected collapsible plastic container22′ when such container is positioned in the capping station 30, asshown in FIG. 6k. The cap positioning means 201, in the presentembodiment, takes the mechanical equivalency of a pivotally mountedswing arm 204, having an arcuately curved gripping surface 204 a. Theswing arm 204 cooperates with a gripping block 205, and is biased towardthe block 205 by a spring means 206, which assembly is operative tofirmly secure the closure member 58 between the gripping surface 204 aand the gripping block 205 when a closure cap 58 is pushed therebetweenupon advancement urged by movement as aforesaid of the ram assembly 202.A set screw 203 on the swing arm 204 can be advantageously provided toadjust the degree of closure of the swing arm 204 against the closurecap 58.

As seen in FIGS. 6k, 6 r and 6 s, once a closure cap 58 is firmly heldin indexed, clamped relation in the cap positioning means 201 at thecapping site 207, a pneumatic capping ram 208 lowers a capping plunger209, under timed control of the CPU computer means (not shown), from itsraised configuration shown in FIG. 6n into urging contact with theclosure cap 58, in its lowered configuration, as indicated by arrow “m”in FIG. 6s. This movement applies a downwardly directed compressionforce to the closure cap 58, thereby causing a firm interference fitbetween the lower annular edge 60 of the closure cap 58 and the annularrib 62 of the non-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ in the manner previously described.The pneumatic capping ram 208 is then retracted upwardly in preparationfor entry of the next closure cap 58 being urged into the capping siteby sequential activation of the ram 202 by the computer CPU means (notshown). The selected collapsible plastic container 22′ is now capped,and ready for translation to the collapsing station 32 of the apparatus20, the closure cap 58 having been mechanically applied at the cappingstation 30 to the non-collapsible neck portion 42 in closed sealingrelation to the opening 44 of the selected collapsible plastic container22.

Before translating the selected collapsible plastic container 221 to thecollapsing station 32, it is desirable to trim the elongate indexing rib72 from the closure cap 58 that has been applied as aforesaid to thenon-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′, as it no longer serves a useful function within theconfines of the present process and apparatus. For this purpose, astationary V-shaped blade 210 is rigidly mounted adjacent the cappingsite 207, as best seen in FIG. 6t, which blade 210 is verticallypositioned to sever the elongate indexing rib 72 from the uppermostsurface of the hinged lid portion 64 of the closure cap 58 as it istranslated by the carousel means 36 from the capping station 30 to thecollapsing station 32, such motion being indicated by arrow “n” in FIG.6t. The sequential positioning of the closure cap 58 as it passes towardand under the blade 210 is also shown in phantom outline in FIG. 6t. Thesevered elongate rib 72 passages over the top of the blade 210 and fallsinto a collection bin or similar disposal means (not shown), suchdisposal means forming no part of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ istranslated in the direction of arrow “o” utilizing indexed rotation ofthe computer controlled carousel means 36 from the capping station 30 tothe collapsing station 32, having advanced past a first portion 212 of acap opening means and thence past a second portion 214 of a cap openingmeans. The first portion 212 of the cap opening means cooperates toinitiate opening of the closure cap 58 applied to the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ at the capping station 30 throughinteraction between the first portion 212 with the translation/carouselmeans 36 and with the closure cap 58 upon rotary indexing of theselected collapsible plastic container 22′ from the capping station 30to the collapsing station 32. Similarly, the second portion 214 of thecap opening means is functional to complete opening of the hinged lidportion 64 relative to the fixed rim portion 63, as the selected plasticcontainer 22′, with the closure cap 58 applied, passes by en route tothe collapsing station 32.

More specifically, and with particular reference to FIGS. 7 through 7e,the first portion 212 of the cap opening means comprises two four pointspurs 216, 218, with each spur being commonly and rigidly mounted on acentral axle 222 for rotation therewith. The axle 222 freewheels in anaxle mount 223, which axle mount 223 is rigidly mounted on a framesupport 221, which support is itself rigidly mounted to the apparatus20. (See FIG. 7b.) The first spur 216 is mounted on the axle 222 abovethe second spur 218, and the four blades 216 a of the first spur 216 arestaggered with respect to the four blades 218 a of the second spur 218approximately 45 degrees of rotation, for reasons which will becomeapparent as this description proceeds. The upper four blades 216 a arecurved slightly upwardly at each of their tips 216 b, and the tips 218 bof the lower four blades 218 a, which blades 218 a are somewhat morerobust than the upper blades 216 a, are curved slightly downwardly, asbest seen in FIG. 7b. The second spur 218 acts as a driving spur for thefirst spur 216 located above, acting through the common axis 222. Thatis, as the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ is carried pastthe first portion of the cap opening means 212, along the path definedby arrow “o”, a leading edge 136 a of the U-shaped holding bracket 136of the mount 138′ gripping the non-collapsible neck portion 42, impingesupon the adjacent blade 218 a of the second spur 218, to rotate same inthe direction of arrow “p” of FIG. 7a. This rotation causes a concurrentrotation in the same direction of the next-following blade 216 a of thefirst spur 216, whose tip 216 b rides up under the hinged lid portion 64of the closure cap 58(as best seen in FIGS. 7a and 7 b), thus initiatingopening of the lid portion 64 by hinged movement of the lid portion 64in a first direction. The axle mount 223 contains a spring-loaded detentmechanisms (not shown), which mechanism ensures that a threshold degreeof rotation of the second spur 218 occurs during each passage of aU-shaped holding bracket 136 by the first cap opening means 212, whichthreshold degree of rotation brings the next-following blade 218 a ofthe second spur into position to repeat the initial opening step.

From its position of interacting with the first portion 212 of the capopening means (as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7 b), the selected collapsibleplastic container 221 continues to be translated by the carousel means36 along the path defined by arrow “o” to interact with the second capopening portion 214 (as seen in FIGS. 7c, 7 d and 7 e). The secondportion 214 of the cap opening means comprises a lifting blade 224having a generally rectangular first section 224 a lying in a horizontalplane, and an upwardly angled, generally triangular shaped secondsection 224 b. It will be seen from FIG. 7a that the path defined byarrow “o” just intersects the line of convergence 224 c of the first 224a and second 224 b sections of the lifting blade 224. Moreover, as willbe best appreciated from reviewing FIGS. 7c and 7 d, the first section224 a is supported by support member 225 (which support member 225 isrigidly suspended from the device 20) in a horizontal plane which isgenerally level with the opening defined between the lid portion 64 andthe underlying rim portion 63 of the closure cap 58, which opening hasjust been initiated by the first portion 212 of the cap opening means.Accordingly, the second section 224 b is able to slide into said openingcreated between the lid portion 64 and the rim portion 63, such thatprogressive rotation of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′(and attached closure cap 58) in the direction of arrow “a” causes theunderside of the lid portion 64 to ride up the incline of the upwardlyangled second section 224 b until the lid portion 64 reaches its fullyopen position, as depicted in FIG. 7e and in phantom outline in FIG. 7c.In this manner, and as stated earlier, the first and second cap openingmeans cooperate in combination to thereby fully open the closure cap 58.

The selected collapsible plastic container 22′ is further translated bythe carousel means 36 past the second cap opening portion 214 tomomentarily stop in indexed relation for further mechanized handling atthe collapsing station 32, as shown in FIG. 8. At the collapsing station32, there is provided means for collapsing the selected collapsibleplastic container 22′ and for closing the lid portion 64 of the closurecap 58.

The collapsing and cap closing means 226 comprises, in combination, anevacuation head 228, a collapsing assembly, having the general referencenumber 230, and a cap closing means 232. The cap closing means 232 isintegrated with the evacuation head 228 to function therewith in asequenced manner, as described below.

As seen in FIGS. 8, 8 b, 8 d, and 8 e, once the selected collapsableplastic container 22′ stops rotation at the collapsing station 32, apneumatically actuated ram assembly 236 having a slidably movable pistonram 240 is energized by the computer CPU means (not shown) to lower thepiston ram 240 and the attached evacuation head 228 (in the direction ofarrow “r” of FIGS. 8b and 8 e)into sealing relation with the opening 44defined by the neck portion 42 of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′. To facilitate such sealing, the evacuation head 228 isfitted on its lower extremity with a soft pliable rubber head cover 234.The ram assembly 236 is mounted above the collapsing station 32 on asupport structure 238. An evacuation pump unit (not shown, being anysuitable commercially available evacuation pump) is then activated bythe computer CPU means (not shown) to apply a vacuum to the evacuationhead 228 via a vacuum application conduit 246, as indicated by arrows“s” in FIG. 8e. A clamp means 252, whose movement is controlled by asolenoid means 253, is preferably provided to firmly secure thenon-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′ in a fully indexed position at the evacuation station 32prior to lowering of the evacuation head 228. The clamp means 252presents a closely toleranced leading lip portion 252 a, which lipportion 252 a closely registers with the two chamfered fingers 136 a and136 b of the U-shaped holding bracket 136 in interfitting relation withsaid fingers 136 a, 136 b to clamp the non-collapsible neck portion 42in a fully indexed position at the collapsing station for the operationsperformed thereat as described herein. FIGS. 8a, 8 b and 8 c show thesequenced operation of the clamp means 252. FIG. 8a corresponds to theinitial configuration of the relevant structures shown in FIG. 8. FIG.8c corresponds to the configuration of the structures as shown in FIG.8b, with the clamp means 252 advanced by the solenoid means 253, undersequenced control of the computer CPU means (not shown), in thedirection of arrow “t” to firmly secure the non-collapsible neck portion42, as aforesaid. FIG. 8g corresponds to the configuration of thestructures as shown in FIG. 8f.

When the evacuation of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ issubstantially complete, the computer CPU means (not shown) actuates thecollapsing assembly 230 (see FIG. 8f), which assembly 230 comprises apair of opposed compression plates 248 a and 248 b respectively actuatedby pneumatic ram assemblies 250 a and 250 b. Such actuation of thecollapsing assembly 230 causes the compression plates 250 a and 250 b tocome together, thereby co-operating with the evacuation head 228 tosubstantially fully collapse the collapsible body portion 40 of theselected collapsible plastic container 22′, as illustrated in FIG. 8f.The compression plate 248 a is positioned on the carousel side of theapparatus 20, whereas the compression plate 248 b is positioned on theopposite side. Both ram assemblies 250 a and 250 b are mounted on theopposite of the carousel side of said apparatus 20. As illustrated inFIG. 8f, when the compression plate 248 b is extended outwardly incompressive engagement with the collapsible body portion 40 of theselected collapsible plastic container 22′, the compression plate 248 ais simultaneously retracted into compressive engagement with thecollapsible body portion 40 of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′. In the present embodiment of the invention, bothcompressive plates are movable, although an alternative embodimentcontemplates the use of one stationary compression plate and one movableplate.

Once a significant portion of the volume of air from within the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ is removed, as aforesaid, so as tocause substantial collapse of the body portion 40 of the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ at the collapsing station 32, it isthen necessary to sealingly close the lid portion 64 of the closure cap58, so as to maintain the vacuum, or partial vacuum, achieved within thecollapsible body portion 40, thereby to retain the selected collapsibleplastic container 22′ in collapsed relation. To this end, the capclosing means 232 comprises a lid compression head 242 operativelyconnected by a slidable piston rod 233 to a lid closing hydraulicallyoperated ram assembly 244 that is functional, under sequenced control ofthe computer CPU means (not shown), to lower said compression head 242,in the direction of arrows “u” of FIG. 8h, into compressive closingrelation with said hinged lid portion 64 of the closure cap 58, therebyto mechanically re-establish sealing relation between the lid portion 64and the opening 44 of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ byhinged movement of the lid portion 64 in a second direction opposed tosaid first direct about the hinge means 66. The lid compression head 242and piston rod 233 are sized so as to fit inside the evacuation head228, as is apparent from FIGS. 8e and 8 h, and to conventionally operateunder control of the computer CPU means (not shown) in the up and downdirections independently of the ram assembly 236 upon appropriate inputsand outputs of pressurized hydraulic fluid through supply lines 243 aand 243 b.

As shown in FIG. 8h, when both ram assemblies 236 and 244, respectively,are in their lowered configurations, the base of the rubber head 234nestles between the fingers 136 a and 136 b of the U-shaped holdingbracket 136. It is to be noted, as shown in FIG. 8e that the compressionhead 242 is sized so as not to obstruct the vacuum application conduit246. Once the lid portion 64 of the closure cap 58 is closed asaforesaid, the piston rod 233 and the piston ram 240 are both retractedupwardly by their respective ram assemblies 244, 236 under sequencedactivation by the computer CPU means (not shown), so as to return totheir original raised positrons, analogous to the raised positionsillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8b. The carousel means 36 is then indexedunder control of the computer CPU means (not shown) so as to translatethe selected collapsible plastic container 22′ to the magazine loadingstation 34 for mechanical loading of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′ into a magazine clip means 24, as will now be describedwith particular reference to FIGS. 9a through 9 i.

FIGS. 9a and 9 d show, in solid outline, the selected collapsibleplastic container 22′ (in its collapsed configuration) positioned at themagazine loading station 34. As previously described, it is held on thecarousel means 36 by positioning of the flats 50 of the non-collapsibleneck portion 42 between the fingers 136 a and 136 b of the U-shapedholding bracket 136, and must be transferred therefrom into the magazineclip means 24. For this purpose, a loading means 254 is positioned atthe magazine clip loading station 34 above the top level of the carouselmeans 36. In particular, said loading means 254 comprises a positioning,pneumatically actuated and computer controlled, ram assembly 257. Theram assembly 257 has is a sliding piston 258, which piston 258terminates in an indexed fork member 260 (seen in phantom outline inFIG. 9a), which fork member 260 moves in a horizontal plane parallel tothe U-shaped holding bracket member 136. Upon actuation of the drivingram 258 by receipt of an appropriate command from the computer CPU means(not shown), the fork member 260 impinges upon the closed closure cap 58of the selected plastic container 22′ to translate the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ in the direction of arrow “v” of FIGS.9a and 9 d from the carousel means 36 through a transitional slidemember 261, which member 261 is constructed of metal, plastic, orsimilar relatively low-friction materials, to have a cross-sectionsubstantially similar to that of the magazine clip means 24. Theselected plastic container 22′ is translated in this manner from itsposition at the magazine loading station 34 (shown in solid outline inFIGS. 9a and 9 d) to its initial loaded position within the magazineclip means 24, which position is proximal to the magazine loadingstation (shown in phantom outline in FIGS. 9a and FIG. 9d). Eachmagazine clip means 24 is preferably constructed from cardboardmaterial, and defines, by its opposed, longitudinally extending internaledges 261 a and 261 b, a longitudinal slot 262. The slot 262 is shapedand dimensioned so that the edges 261 a and 261 b each frictionallyengage a respective one of the opposed flats 50,50 positioned on thenon-collapsible neck portion 42 of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′. Accordingly, each of the selected collapsible plasticcontainers 22′ is, in turn, received in radially indexed relation withinthe slot 262 of the magazine clip means 24, so as to be held therein bymeans of frictional interaction between the non-collapsible neck portion42 and the magazine clip means 24.

Means are also preferably provided for mechanically transporting theselected collapsible plastic container 22′ held with the magazine clipmeans 24 from its initial loaded position within the magazine clip means24 (which position is shown in phantom outline in FIG. 9c), in thedirection of arrow “w” of FIGS. 9c and FIG. 9e, to a final loadedposition within the magazine clip means, which final loaded position isdistal to the magazine loading station 34 and is shown in solid outlineFIG. 9c. This mechanical transporting means is denoted generally by thereference numeral 264, and comprises, in combination, a ram assembly 266functional to provide a horizontally disposed driving ram 268 and avertically disposed driving ram 270, a horizontally slidable carriagemeans 272, and a two rail track means 274 adapted for controlled slidingmovement therealong of said carriage means 272 in a longitudinalhorizontal direction (as indicated by arrow “w” of FIG. 9e) parallel tothe longitudinal axis defined by the magazine slot 262, said carriagemeans 272 being positioned beneath said magazine clip means 24. Inoperation, the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ is shown atits initial position within the magazine clip means 24 in FIGS. 9b and 9f. In this configuration, the horizontally disposed driving ram 268 isactivated under control of the computer CPU means (not shown), so as toextend its leading plate 269 in the direction of arrow “x” of FIGS. 9band 9 f. Thereafter, the vertically disposed driving ram 270 issimilarly activated by the computer CPU means (not shown) in thedirection of arrows “y” of FIG. 9g, thereby to bring the leading plate269 into aligned relation with the non-collapsible neck portion 42 ofthe selected collapsible plastic container 22′. The carriage means 272is then caused to travel longitudinally down the track rails 274 in thedirection of arrow “w” by means of any conventional drive meansinteracting between the carriage means 272 and the track rails 272. Thepreferred drive means shown is a toothed rack 263 which runs parallel tothe upper one of the track rails 274, which operatively interacts withan electrically driven pinion (not shown) mounted on the carriage means272. Selective energization of the pinon drives the carriage along therack 263 in a manner that may accurately be controlled by the computerCPU means (not shown). Once the selected collapsible plastic container22′ arrives at its final position as shown in solid outline FIGS. 9c and9 e, the carriage means 272 returns, under computer control, in thereverse direction of arrow “w”, to its commencement point to repeat thecycle with respect to the next collapsible plastic container 22 broughtto the initial position within the magazine means 24. Any well knownposition indicator means (not shown) may advantageously be incorporatedinto the mechanical transporting means 264 to precisely register theposition of the carriage means 272 relative to the track rails 274 atall relevant positions. Examples of such position indicator meansinclude, without limitation, microswitches, contrasting colour bars withlight reading sensors, and various other computer controlled numericalcontrol systems, all of which are well known in the robotics field. Suchincorporation allows the precise positioning by the carriage means 272,in seriatim, of each selected plastic container 22′ at its respectiveposition along the axial length of the magazine clip means 24 in closecontacting relation with one another.

FIGS. 9f, 9 g 9 h and 9 i are illustrative of the method and apparatuswhereby the loaded collapsible plastic containers 22 are retained withinthe magazine clip means 24, and whereby the magazine clip 24, once fullyloaded with such containers 22, is expelled from the apparatus 20, andwhereby a replacement magazine clip means 24 is subsequently positionedto itself be loaded.

Turning now to FIG. 9f, there is diagrammatically depicted a pluralityof magazine clip means 24 stacked one above the other in a storagehousing 276, which housing 276 is supported by a frame 278. The magazineclip means 24 has, as previously described, a selected collapsibleplastic container 22″ being positioned therein by the ram assembly 266,specifically driving ram 268 (FIG. 9f) and driving ram 270 (FIG. 9g) inthe drawing sequence shown. The magazine clip means 24 being loaded isretained in its initial loading position by means of a pair of opposedangle irons 280 a and 280 b, each respectively controlled by an opposedpneumatically controlled pneumatic ram assemblies 281 a, 281 b.

FIG. 9h illustrates the retraction of the angle irons 280 a and 280 b(in the direction of arrows “z”) simultaneously to release the filledmagazine clip means 24 (under the pull of gravity) upon appropriateactuation of the ram assemblies 281 a and 281 b under control of thecomputer CPU means (not shown). Note that the loading ram assembly 266is in its inactivated mode, namely the driving rams 268 (includingleading plate 269) and 270 are both fully retracted.

Upon release of the filled magazine clip means 24, the ram assemblies281 a and 281 b are immediately returned to their respective startingpositions (as indicated by arrows “aa” in FIG. 9i)to allow the nextlowest magazine clip means 24 in the storage housing 276 to fall, underthe influence of gravity, onto the horizontal flange portions of therespective angle irons 290 a and 280 b, to be retained thereon until aloading cycle of that magazine clip means 24 is completed.

FIGS. 10 through 10h illustrate an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the mechanical transporting means 248 of the device 20has been modified adjacent the magazine loading station 34 to provide acontainer folding means 324 operating in co-operation with themechanical transporting means 264 for folding of the collapsible bodyportion 40 of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ held withinthe magazine clip means 24 about an axis “bb”, which axis is transverseto the longitudinal axis “dd” of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′. Such folding is diagrammatically represented in FIG. 10by arrow “cc”.

FIG. 10a is a side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of theapparatus shown in FIG. 9d. The modifications shown deal primarily withthe carriage means 272 of the previously described embodiment, and withadditions to the mechanical transporting means 264, and like referencenumerals will be used in FIGS. 10 through 10h to designate structures orfeatures in the alternate embodiment analogous to structures or featuresthat have already been described in relation to the preferred embodimentfirst described herein. The structure and operation of such analogousstructures and features will not be repeated in respect of the alternateembodiment of FIGS. 10 through 10 h; rather, only the significantdifferences will be described.

The modified mechanical transporting means 264 comprises, incombination, a secondary carriage means 322, and a modified carriagemeans 272, both of which independently slide horizontally along trackrails 274 in a controlled, sequenced manner under direction from thecomputer CPU means (not shown). The modified carriage means 272 isfitted with a container folding means 324 and with a stop means 320,having a limit switch 321, which operatively limits sliding movement ofthe modified carriage means 272 to the leftmost position of FIGS. 10athrough 10 g.

The container folding means 324 provides a rotatable folding arm 338driven through the computer CPU means (not shown) by an electric motor340, said folding arm 338 defining, at its outer end, an upwardlyextending hook portion 338 a. The sequential operation of the foldingarm 338 is shown in FIGS. 10b through 10 h, wherein said arm 338 rotatesthrough substantially one hundred and eighty degrees of rotation (in thedirection of arrow “ee” of FIGS. 10c and 10 d) to capture thecollapsible body portion 40 of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer 22′ and to fold same during said rotation about fold arm 329(which fold arm 329 defines the horizontal axis “bb” of FIG. 10),thereby to shorten the effective longitudinal length of the selectedcollapsible plastic container 22′ protruding from the magazine clipmeans 24.

Once the selected plastic container 22′ is folded in this manner, themodified carriage means 272 transports the folded container 22′ in thedirection of arrows “w” of FIGS. 10e and 10 f from its initial positionwithin the magazine clip means 24 proximal to the loading station 34(which proximal position is shown in phantom outline in FIGS. 10e and 10f) to its assigned final position within the magazine clip means 24distal to the loading station 34 (which distal position is shown insolid outline in FIGS. 10e), in a manner generally analogous to suchmovement of the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ as shown anddescribed in relation to the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 9 through 9i.

Once carried by the modified carriage means 272 to the distal positionjust described, the modified carriage means 277 matingly contacts thesecondary carriage means 322 with the aid of an electronicallycontrolled latch member 293, to temporarily join the modified carriagemeans 272 to the secondary carriage means 322. After such latching, avertically disposed ram assembly 320 mounted on the secondary carriagemeans 322 extends upwardly (as indicated by arrows “ff” in FIGS. 10f and10 g) behind the selected collapsible plastic container 22′ to hold theselected plastic container in its folded configuration. Such holdingallows the modified carriage means 272 to disjoin from the secondarycarriage 322 upon computer controlled unlatching of the latch member293, and to thereafter return (in the direction of arrow “gg” of FIGS.10g to its initial cycle to repeat the folding and transport cycle overagain in respect of the next collapsible plastic container waiting forit. Once the magazine clip means 24 is filled by the device 20 withfolded collapsible plastic containers, they can be banded withshrink-wrap plastic film, or otherwise packaged to hold said containers22 in their folded configurations within the magazine clip means 24.

I claim:
 1. A process for machine packing a plurality of collapsibleplastic containers 22 into a magazine clip means for subsequent handlingof the collapsible plastic containers, each plastic container having acollapsible body portion and a non-collapsible neck portion defining anopening to the plastic container, the process comprising the steps of:a) mechanically selecting one of said plastic containers from a seriallyarranged row of said plurality of containers by gripping said firstcollapsible plastic container about said neck portion; b) mechanicallytranslating said selected collapsible plastic container to apredetermined capping station; c) at said capping station, mechanicallyapplying to the non-collapsible neck portion of the selected collapsibleplastic container, in closed, sealing relation to said opening of thecollapsible plastic container, a closure cap having a rim portion and alid portion connected to the rim portion by a hinge means; d)mechanically translating said selected collapsible plastic container toa predetermined collapsing station; e) at said collapsing station,mechanically opening the lid portion of said closure cap to break saidsealing relation to said opening of the collapsible plastic container byhinged movement in a first direction of the lid portion about said hingemeans; f) at said collapsing station, mechanically removing asubstantial portion of the volume of air from within the selectedcollapsible plastic container so as to cause substantial collapse of thebody portion of said selected collapsible plastic container at saidcollapsing station; g) at said collapsing station, mechanically closingthe lid portion of said closure cap to re-establish said sealingrelation with said opening of the selected collapsible plastic containerby hinged movement of the lid portion in a second direction opposed tosaid first direction about said hinge means; h) mechanically translatingsaid selected collapsible plastic container to a predetermined magazineloading station; and, i) at said magazine loading station, mechanicallyloading said selected collapsible plastic container into said magazineclip means so as to hold said selected collapsible plastic containerwithin said clip means by way of frictional interaction between saidnon-collapsible neck portion and said magazine clip means.
 2. Theprocess of claim 1 additionally comprising, between steps a) and b) thesteps of: a1) mechanically translating said selected collapsible plasticcontainer to a predetermined leak testing station; a2) at said leaktesting station, mechanically pressurizing said selected collapsibleplastic container with a pressurized fluid; and, a3) at said leaktesting station, mechanically measuring the retention of saidpressurized fluid within said selected collapsible plastic containerover a predetermined period of time and comparing the retention value soobtained for said selected collapsible plastic container with apredetermined threshold retention value.
 3. The process of claim 2additionally comprising, after step a3), but before step I), the furtherstep of: a4) mechanically ejecting from the process each selectedcollapsible plastic container having a retention value obtained understep a3) less than the predetermined threshold value.
 4. The process ofclaim 2 additionally comprising, after step a3), but before step b), thefurther steps of: a5) mechanically translating said selected collapsibleplastic container to a predetermined labelling station; a6) at saidlabelling station, mechanically pressurizing said selected collapsibleplastic container with a fluid so as to cause the collapsible bodyportion to become distended; and, a7) at said labelling station,mechanically applying a self-adhesive label to said body portion when sodistended.
 5. The process of claim 1 additionally comprising, after stepi), the step of: j) mechanically folding the collapsible body portion ofsaid selected collapsible plastic container held within the magazineclip about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said selectedcontainer so as to shorten the effective longitudinal length of saidselected container projecting from said magazine clip.
 6. The process ofclaim 5, additionally comprising, after step i), the step of: k)mechanically transporting said selected collapsible plastic containerheld within the magazine clip in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of said magazine clip from an initial loaded positionwithin the magazine clip which initial loaded position is proximal tothe magazine loading station, to a final loaded position within themagazine clip, which final loaded position is distal to said magazineloading station.
 7. The process of claim 4, additionally comprising,after step i), the step of: 1) mechanically transporting said selectedcollapsible plastic container held within the magazine clip, in adirection parallel to the longitudinal axis of said magazine clip, froman initial loaded position within the magazine clip which initial loadedposition is proximal to the magazine loading station, to a final loadedposition within the magazine clip, which final loaded position is distalto said magazine loading station.
 8. The process of claim 4 additionallycomprising, after step a3), but before step g), the further step of: a4)mechanically ejecting from the process each selected collapsible plasticcontainer having a retention value obtained under step a3) less than thepredetermined threshold value.
 9. The process of claim 5 additionallycomprising, after step a3), but before step g), the further step of: a4)mechanically ejecting from the process each selected collapsible plasticcontainer having a retention value obtained under step a3) less than thepredetermined threshold value.
 10. The process of claim 7 additionallycomprising, after step a3), but before step g), the further step of: a4)mechanically ejecting from the process each selected collapsible plasticcontainer having a retention value obtained under step a3) less than thepredetermined threshold value.
 11. An apparatus for machine packing aplurality of collapsible plastic containers into a magazine clip meansfor subsequent handling of the collapsible plastic containers, eachplastic container having a collapsible body portion and anon-collapsible neck portion defining an opening to the collapsibleplastic container, the apparatus comprising: a) selection means forselecting one of said plastic containers from a serially arranged row ofsaid plurality of containers by gripping said selected collapsibleplastic container about said neck portion and for transferring saidselected collapsible plastic container to a transfer station; b)translation means for receiving said selected container at said transferstation in retained relation about said neck portion and for thereaftertranslating said selected container, in serially indexed relation, toeach of a capping station, a collapsing station and a magazine loadingstation; c) capping means positioned at said capping station, forapplying to the neck portion of the selected collapsible plasticcontainer, in closed, sealing relation to said opening of thecollapsible plastic container, a closure cap having a rim portion and alid portion connected to the rim portion by a hinge means; e) capopening means positioned between said capping station and saidcollapsing station for opening the lid portion of said closure cap tobreak said sealing relation to said opening of the selected collapsibleplastic container by hinged movement in a first direction of the lidportion about said hinge means; f) collapsing means positioned at saidcollapsing station for removing a substantial portion of the volume ofair from within the selected collapsible plastic container so as tocause substantial collapse of the body portion of said selectedcollapsible plastic container at said collapsing station; g) cap closingmeans positioned at said collapsing station for closing the lid portionof said closure cap to re-establish said sealing relation with saidopening of the selected collapsible plastic container by hinged movementof the lid portion in a second direction opposed to said first directionabout said hinge means; h) loading means positioned at said magazineloading station for translating said selected collapsible plasticcontainer from said translation means into said magazine clip means soas to hold said selected collapsible plastic container within said clipmeans by way of frictional interaction between said non-collapsible neckportion and said magazine clip means.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein said translation means comprises a carousel means adapted foraccepting said selected collapsible plastic container at said transferstation as aforesaid and for translating said selected collapsibleplastic container in serially indexed, rotary relation to each of saidcapping, collapsing and magazine stations.
 13. The apparatus of claim12, wherein said carousel means is additionally adapted to receive saidselected container at said transfer station in radially axially indexed,retained relation about said neck portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim13, wherein said collapsing means removes said substantial portion ofthe volume of air from within the selected collapsible plastic containerby evacuation.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said collapsingmeans removes said substantial portion of the volume of air from withinthe selected collapsible plastic container by physical compression ofthe collapsible body portion of said container.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein said collapsing means removes said substantial portionof the volume of air from within the selected collapsible plasticcontainer by evacuation and by physical compression of the collapsiblebody portion of said container.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, whereinsaid carousel means additionally translates said selected container inserially indexed rotary relation, to each of a leak testing station,said capping station, said collapsing station and said magazine loadingstation and wherein said apparatus additionally comprises, at said leaktesting station, a first pressurizing means for pressurizing saidselected collapsible plastic container with a fluid and a leak testingmeans for measuring the retention of said pressurized fluid within saidselected collapsible plastic container over a predetermined period oftime and for comparing the retention value so obtained for said selectedcollapsible plastic container with a predetermined threshold retentionvalue so as to permit identification of said selected container as aleaking container if said retention value is less than said thresholdvalue.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein ejection means areprovided for ejecting each said selected collapsible plastic containeridentified as a leaking container from said carousel means.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein said carousel means additionallytranslates said selected container in serially indexed rotary relation,to each of a leak testing station, a labelling station, said cappingstation, said collapsing station and said magazine loading station, andwherein said apparatus additionally comprises, at said labellingstation, a second pressurizing means for pressurizing said selectedcollapsible plastic container with a fluid so as to cause thecollapsible body portion to become distended, and a label applicatormeans for applying an adhesive label to the body portion when sodistended.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said carousel meansadditionally translates said selected container in serially indexedrotary relation, to each of said leak testing station, said labellingstation, said capping station, said collapsing station and said magazineloading station, and wherein said apparatus additionally comprises, atsaid labelling station, a second pressurizing means for pressurizingsaid selected collapsible plastic container with a fluid so as to causethe collapsible body portion to become distended, and a label applicatormeans for applying an adhesive label to the body portion when sodistended.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a container foldingmeans is provided adjacent said magazine loading station for folding thecollapsible body portion of said selected collapsible plastic containerheld within the magazine clip means about an axis transverse to thelongitudinal axis of said selected container so as to shorten theeffective longitudinal length of said selected container projecting fromsaid magazine clip means.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein atransport means is provided adjacent said magazine loading station fortransporting the selected collapsible plastic container held within themagazine clip means, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis ofsaid magazine clip means, from an initial loaded position within themagazine clip means, which initial loaded position is proximallyadjacent to the magazine loading station, to a final loaded position forsaid selected collapsible plastic container, which final loaded positionis distally spaced from said magazine loading station.
 23. The apparatusas set forth in claim 11, wherein said selection means comprises aplunger member adapted to grippingly engage an inner portion of saidcollapsible plastic container, means for raising and lowering saidplunger member into and out of gripping engagement with said containerand means for translating said plastic container from a predeterminedposition to said transfer station.
 24. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 17, additionally comprising an axial orientation means.
 25. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 17, additionally comprising meansassociated with said capping means for providing selectively orientatedclosure caps thereto.